The 32-year-old, who won a host of trophies with Chelsea between 2005 and 2014, will not remain at the San Siro beyond the summer and is likely to embark on another stint in England, according to The Sun.

Ghana international Essien has been restricted to just 13 appearances for Filippo Inzaghi’s team this term, despite their torrid run of form which has culminated in them being languished in mid-table.

His chances of securing regular first-team football would almost certainly increase significantly if he joined Watford, as he provides invaluable experience and knowledge of England’s top-flight, picked up during his highly-successful nine-year stint at Stamford Bridge.

He was one of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s most trusted lieutenants and the Portugese even took him on loan to Real Madrid when he was at the Bernabeu helm.